Book description
Winner of the 2023 PROSE Award for Excellence in Biological and Life Sciences and the 2023 Chautauqua Prize! Named a New York Times Notable Book and a Best Book of the Year by The Economist, Oprah Daily, BookPage, Book Riot, the New York Public Library, and more! In The Song of the Cell, the extraordinary author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Emperor of All Maladies and the #1 New York Times bestseller The Gene "blends cutting-edge research, impeccable scholarship, intrepid reporting, and gorgeous prose into an encyclopedic study that reads like a literary page-turner" (Oprah Daily). Mukherjee begins this magnificent story in the late 1600s, when a distinguished English polymath, Robert Hooke, and an eccentric Dutch cloth-merchant, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek looked down their handmade microscopes. What they saw introduced a radical concept that swept through biology and medicine, touching virtually every aspect of the two sciences, and altering both forever. It was the fact that complex living organisms are assemblages of tiny, self-contained, self-regulating units. Our organs, our physiology, our selves--hearts, blood, brains--are built from these compartments. Hooke christened them "cells." The discovery of cells--and the reframing of the human body as a cellular ecosystem--announced the birth of a new kind of medicine based on the therapeutic manipulations of cells. A hip fracture, a cardiac arrest, Alzheimer's dementia, AIDS, pneumonia, lung cancer, kidney failure, arthritis, COVID pneumonia--all could be reconceived as the results of cells, or systems of cells, functioning abnormally. And all could be perceived as loci of cellular therapies. Filled with writing so vivid, lucid, and suspenseful that complex science becomes thrilling, The Song of the Cell tells the story of how scientists discovered cells, began to understand them, and are now using that knowledge to create new humans. Told in six parts, and laced with Mukherjee's own experience as a researcher, a doctor, and a prolific reader, The Song of the Cell is both panoramic and intimate--a masterpiece on what it means to be human. "In an account both lyrical and capacious, Mukherjee takes us through an evolution of human understanding: from the seventeenth-century discovery that humans are made up of cells to our cutting-edge technologies for manipulating and deploying cells for therapeutic purposes" (The New Yorker).
Ice
ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Wiccan Thunder
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference.
Lumberyard
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Moon Cricket
Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
SereneScribe
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! 📱📖 I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧
Blue Despair
I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny! This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Hoboken Nightingale
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius.
HolyCombo
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Day Hawk
ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
Kazmii
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! 🌟📚 ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Tin Fox
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
EchoEnigma
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
Kickstart
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable.
Scarlet Mary
The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Red Delicious
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Celtic Charger
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Tin Mutt
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
42nd Street
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
RealmRanger
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments – I'm forever grateful. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
High Kingdom Warrior
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience